I'M GONNA START THE ADOPTION PROCESS SOON..DOMESTIC W/A LAWYER..

HI ALL!! I'M GONNA START MY ADOPTION PROCESS SOON W/AN ADOPTION LAWYER...

I AM NOT MARRIED BUT AM IN A SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP...
I WANT TO ADOPT AND HAVE MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER AS THE FATHER ON THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE..


CAN ANYONE PROVIDE ADVICE??, WAITING PERIOD ON DOMESTIC ADOPTION FOR INFANTS, PRICING?? ETC....


I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START AND NEED ADVICE....


THANKS....

LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM PEOPLE!!!

Re: I'M GONNA START THE ADOPTION PROCESS SOON..DOMESTIC W/A LAWYER..

Hi There! Congratulations on your decision to proceed with domestic adoption. It'll be an exciting journey, no doubt, but one filled with many emotions. Timeframes for domestic adoptions vary greatly. As far as I know, your future child's biological parent(s) will likely have the option of "selecting" you and your significant other as prospective parents, so much of it depends on when you are "chosen" unless of course you find a "waiting child" on your own. It also depends greatly upon what you are open to in terms of age, race, medical conditions, etc. I hope you find a reputable lawyer that is well-versed in domestic adoptions bc the process can get tricky. The price will also depend greatly upon your lawyers fees and such. I am much more knowledgeable about international adoption, as I've been through the process recently and it's a much more straightforward process, but I wish you much luck on your journey! Keep us posted!

Re: I'M GONNA START THE ADOPTION PROCESS SOON..DOMESTIC W/A LAWYER..

You will have to adopt the child as a single mother and then after your adoption is final your signifant other will adopt the child. Non-married couples cannot adopt a child together as far as I know.
Fees and time will vary greatly all depending on the situation.
In the US almost all domestic adoption is based on the birth parent's choice. They decide on the type of family that they want their child to have. You will want to understand all of the state laws for the state that you will be searching in. I personally would work with an agency and a private lawyer to make sure you have the most coverage and protection. You will want settle in for the long haul...that i for ALL adoption, not just domestic. You just never know time frames. Seriously consider how open you are to race, religion, color of skin, openness of the adoption...that will help you find the right birth parent match for you and your SO.
Good Luck on your journey.

Re: I'M GONNA START THE ADOPTION PROCESS SOON..DOMESTIC W/A LAWYER..

thanks so much for the info!! i know it's gonna be a long & grueling process, but i'm ready for it. in the long run it will be worth it because i'll be a mommy!!

Re: I'M GONNA START THE ADOPTION PROCESS SOON..DOMESTIC W/A LAWYER..

I don't have any advice, I just wanted to wish you luck